Rock Camp
Currently inaccessible by vehicle. Big Caliente Road (5N16) is restricted to non-motorized use under Forest Order 05-07-54-25-14 due to storm damage recovery. The restriction is in effect through September 17, 2026. The campground itself remains open for anyone willing to hike or bike in.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Turkey Flats Road Access Closure
Public access to Turkey Flats and nearby trails will temporarily be unavailable as active construction and repairs are underway along Black Mountain Road (29S10). The closure begins from Navajo Road (29S02.1), to the intersection at "Five-Points", and continues onto Black Mountain Road.Construction…
San Carpoforo Beach Prohibition of Overnight Camping and Campfires
Prohibits overnight camping and building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the Pacific Ocean in Section 16, Township 25 South, Range 6…
Gifford Fire Closure Order
Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-26-04 supersedes Order 05-07-53-25-21 executed on April 7, 2026.
Santa Barbara Front Country Fire Use Restrictions
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System lands within the Fire Use Restriction Area which is the front country of Santa Barbara. Reference the description of the area and the attached map for details.Over the past…
Sespe Condor Sanctuary Closure
The Los Padres National Forest will prohibit entry by the public to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary to support ongoing Condor recovery efforts. This special closure order supports the overall survivorship and sustained population increase of the California Condor species.
Special Closure - SBRD Storm Damage Recovery
Closure of developed recreation sites, roads, and trails in the Santa Barbara Ranger District impacted by storm damage and some roads restricted to non-motorized use.
Monterey Ranger District Storm Damage Closure
Due to recent storm damage, recreating in the following areas on Monterey Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest is prohibited:Rocky Creek Trail (NFS 4E04)Reliz Canyon Road (NFS road 19S08.2)Additionally, using a motorized vehicle on the following National Forest System roads is…
Roadside Camping Prohibited: Nacimiento-Fergusson Road
For public safety, camping is not allowed within 300 feet of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (Forest Road No. 22S01), from its intersection with State Highway 1 then east for 12 miles. See attached map for details. This Order is effective from September 6, 2025, through September 5, 2027.
Special Closure - SLRD Lake Fire Post-Burn Public Safety
Closure of developed recreation sites and roads on the Santa Lucia Ranger District impacted by the Lake fire.
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
Road Use Restriction - Sycamore Cyn Rd to Pfeiffer Beach
Prohibits being on Sycamore Canyon Road (Forest Road No. 19S05), except within a motor vehicle from its intersection with State Highway 1 then continuing west for approximately two and a half miles to its terminus at Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area, as shown on the attached map.
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area. Reference the description of the area and attached map for details. NOTE: Persons with a valid CA Campfire Permit may…
About
Rock Camp is a secluded 2-site primitive campground in the Santa Barbara Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest, situated at 1,530 feet elevation among oak trees and large boulders alongside a seasonal creek. Each site accommodates up to 2 vehicles and features a picnic table, fire ring, and stand-up BBQ. A pit toilet serves the campground, though campers should pack in all drinking water as none is available on-site. The campground serves as a trailhead for both the McPherson Peak Trail and Aliso Trail, providing access to the San Rafael Wilderness. Big Caliente Hot Springs, a popular natural thermal pool, lies approximately half a mile from camp and is open for day use from 6am to 10pm. Access requires navigating roughly 12 miles of dirt roads from Pendola Station via Big Caliente Road (5N16). High-clearance vehicles are recommended, and the adobe clay roads become dangerously slippery during wet weather, often prompting seasonal gate closures. The campground is first-come, first-served with no reservations; a Forest Adventure Pass is required. Maximum stay is 14 days.
Directions
From Santa Barbara, take Highway 101 northwest and exit onto Highway 154. Continue approximately 8 miles, then turn east onto East Camino Cielo. Drive 25 miles to Pendola Station. Turn right onto Big Caliente Road (5N16) and continue 2 miles to Rock Camp. The final 12 miles are on dirt roads requiring high-clearance vehicles.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 967-3481 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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